Novel Dishes, Creative Concoctions Win in Tanduay Rum Fest’s Culinaria and Mixology Contests

The first Tanduay Rum Festival in Bacolod City was off to a palate-pleasing start as dining establishments battled it out in the event’s Culinaria and Mixology finals held last Aug. 18 at the New Government Center.

Anne Bistro was declared the grand champion of both the “Appetizer and Main Dish Featuring Rum” and the “Dessert Featuring Rum” categories. 

Dan Lendle Altarejos and Christian Rey Dela Cruz created the rum-infused appetizer Kinilaw na Tuna and the main dish Red Curry Prawn Risotto to win the PhP25,000 grand prize. John Fred Olvido and  Niel John Cortez went home with another PhP25,000 for coming up with the mouthwatering Honey Rosemary Cake dessert.

Laurence Emmanuel Conlu of Al Fresco Café – LCC Bacolod, meanwhile, was de-clared the best in the “Mixology with Flairtending” contest with his concoction, the Tan-duay Cooler. He also went home with PhP25,000.

The Winners’ Circle

The first runners-up in both contests received PhP15,000, while the second runners-up went home with PhP10,000.

• “Appetizer and Main Dish Featuring Rum” 

First runner-up Kusinata with Jolito Pandac and Benedict del Rosario who created the Pollo y Sandia Borrachos and Pinaasuhan Nga Sili and second runner-up LCC Bacolod with Raymond Jan Ledesma and Matthew Arthem Gelvoleo who created the Scallops Flambé on Crispy Bangus Skin with Pomelo-Rum Vinaigrette and the Chicken Inasal with Batuan Rum Sauce Topped with Rum Infused Ginamos, Coconut Lemongrass Rice, and Rum Vinaigrette Green Mango Salsa.

• “Dessert Featuring Rum”

Kusinata’s Reviel Villapana and Gerard D. Grey, Jr. were declared the first runner-up with their Sugar-Glazed Caged GoodBood, while LCC Bacolod’s Jesus Samuel Solinap and John Alre Dales were declared second runner-up with their Handmade Piaya RUMbutan with Tanduay Coconut Rum Custard Filled Barquillos with Rum-Infused Kalabasa Halaya and Candied Bacon.

• “Mixology with Flairtending”

First-runner up Harry Servancia of Wild & Fresh Mobile Bar Bacolod with his Citrus Mojito and Kate Jaraiza Tecson of Barholics Mobile Bar Bacolod with her La Victoria.

Food and Beverage Experts as Judges

This year’s Culinaria and Mixology contests were judged by some of the food and beverage industry’s best.

They include Chef Don Angelo Colmenares, owner/chef of Berbeza Bistro; Chef Ben-edict John Uy, executive chef of Planta Centro Hotel Bacolod & Business Inn Hotel and owner/chef of East Bite, Daily Skillet, & Recados; Chef Nico Millanes, owner/chef of Terrasse, Portiko Café & Lounge, and Catch of the Day; and Victoria Beckley, events director of the World Gourmet Summit and National Sales and Marketing Director of Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd in Singapore, publisher of Cuisine and Wine Magazine.

The Mixology contest, meanwhile, was judged by international mixologist and mixology expert Ricky Paiva; Chef Sammy Nuarbe, founder and president of Great Harvest Academy of Technical Skills, Inc. and TESDA trainer and assessor since 2012; and Gem Lenard Boy, Junior Brand Manager of Tanduay Distillers, Inc.

More Exciting Activities

The Culinaria and Mixology contests are just two of the exciting activities in this year’s Tanduay Rum Festival. Since the event kicked off last Aug. 17, a food bazaar has been held and would last until Aug. 24 at the New Government Center Grounds.

On Aug. 23, rapper Mike Swift leads the Street Art and Basketball Court Painting activity.

On Aug. 24, there will be a 5K Rum Run and Street Dance Parade in the afternoon and a free concert with iconic rock band Sandwich; Mike Swift; Idol Philippines’ Dan Ombao and Miguel Ordon; and Bacolod’s Project Juan, Barbie na Doll, and Cali Island at 8:00 PM.

TANDUAY RUM FESTIVAL 2019 - CULINARIA FINALS WINNERS

·  Appetizer and Main Dish Featuring Rum

1^st Prize – Anne Bistro

1.     Dan Lendle Altarejos – Appetizer/Main Dish

2.     Christian Rey dela Cruz – Appetizer/Main Dish

Appetizer: Kinilaw na Tuna

Main Dish: Red Curry Prawn Risotto

2^nd Prize – Kusinata

1.     Jolito Pandac – Appetizer/Main Dish

2.     Benedict del Rosario – Appetizer/Main Dish

Appetizer: Pollo y Sandia Borrachos (Drunken Chicken & Watermelon Salad)

Served with Brie Cheese, Carrots, Cucumber, Edible Flowers, and Batuan Dressing

Main Dish: Pinaasuhan Nga Sili (Smoked Freshwater Eel Glazed with Soy Honey Rum Sauce, on White Rum Risotto, Sautéed Asparagus Spears and Tomato)

3^rd Prize – LCC Bacolod

1.     Raymond Jan Ledesma - Appetizer/Main Dish

2.     Matthew Arthem Gelvoleo - Appetizer/Main Dish

Appetizer: Scallops Flambé on Crispy Bangus Skin with Pomelo-Rum Vinaigrette

Main Dish: Chicken Inasal with Batuan Rum Sauce Topped with Rum Infused Ginamos, Coconut Lemongrass Rice, and Rum Vinaigrette Green Mango Salsa

         

·         Dessert Featuring Rum

1^st Prize – Anne Bistro

1.     John Fred Olvido – Dessert

2.     Niel John Cortez – Dessert

Dessert: Honey Rosemary Cake

2^nd Prize – Kusinata

1.     Reviel B. Villapana – Dessert

2.     Gerard “Jay” D. Grey, Jr. – Dessert

Dessert: Sugar-Glazed Caged “GoodBood”

3^rd Prize – LCC Bacolod

1.     Jesus Samuel Solinap - Dessert

2.     John Alre Dales – Dessert

Dessert: Handmade Piaya RUMbutan with Tanduay Coconut Rum Custard Filled Barquillos with Rum-Infused Kalabasa Halaya and Candied Bacon

CULINARIA JUDGES

·         Chef Don Angelo Colmenares

Owner/Chef

Berbeza Bistro

Enderun Alumni

·         Chef Benedict John Uy

Executive Chef of Planta Centro Hotel Bacolod & Business Inn Hotel

ISCAHM Alumni

Owner/Chef

East Bite, Daily Skillet, & Recados

·         Chef Nico Millanes

Owner/Chef

Terrasse, Portiko Café & Lounge, and Catch of the Day

Enderun Alumni

·         Victoria Beckley

Events Director of the World Gourmet Summit

            National Sales and Marketing Director of Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd in Singapore

TANDUAY RUM FESTIVAL 2019 - MIXOLOGY FINALS WINNERS

  

1^st Prize – Mixology w/ Flairtending

Laurence Emmanuel Conlu (Al Fresco Café – LCC Bacolod) 

Cocktail Name: Tanduay Cooler

2^nd Prize – Mixology w/ Flairtending

Harry Servancia (Wild & Fresh Mobile Bar Bacolod)

Cocktail Name: Citrus Mojito

3^rd Prize – Mixology w/ Flairtending

Kate Jaraiza Tecson (Barholics Mobile Bar Bacolod)

Cocktail Name: La Victoria

MIXOLOGY JUDGES

·         Ricky Paiva

International Mixologist/Mixology Expert

·         Chef Sammy Nuarbe

Great Harvest Academy of Technical Skills, Inc.

Founder & President

Tesda Trainer and Assessor (since 2012)

·         Gem Boy

Junior Brand Manager

Tanduay Distillers, Inc.

Mark your calendars: Fun art sale at SM Supermalls

“Art for Everyone 2019 is SM’s way of reaching out to the art-loving public. We want to feature all types of artists and connect them with different audiences, and this includes both student and seasoned artists. The art works also inspire a refreshing vibe in the malls as shoppers and their loved ones bond over art.” ~Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for marketing

Everyone  ̶  art enthusiasts, artists, parents, students, and more  ̶  unite! SM Supermalls is bringing this year’s Art For Everyone to 18 participating SM malls nationwide this August till the second week of September, showcasing thousands of new and unique paintings, sculptures, and photographs from a curated roundup of renowned and budding artists.

Take your friends and family to the Art For Everyone 2019 Art Fair in the following SM malls:

• SM Megamall (Aug. 20 to Sept. 1)
• SM Sucat (Aug. 18 to 31)
• SM Angono (Aug. 19 to 30)
• SM San Jose Del Monte (Aug. 19 to 31)
• SM Cebu (Aug 26 to Sept. 4)
• SM Lanang Premier (Aug. 26 to Sept. 7)
• SM Legazpi (Aug. 26 to Sept 8)
• SM Marikina (Aug. 26 to Sept 8)
• SM Novaliches (Aug. 26 to Sept 8)
• SM CDO Downtown Premier (Sept. 1 to 7)
• The Podium (Sept. 2 to 15)

and in following malls from Aug. 19 to Sept. 1: SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM Batangas, SM Bacolod, SM Molino, SM San Pablo, SM Telabastagan.

Art For Everyone will be launched on August 22 at the Mega Fashion Hall – host to a series of exhibitions, including a retrospective of Juvenal Sansó’s Felicidad Sy series and of art from SM Megamall’s art galleries from August 20 to 25. Artworks of students and enthusiasts will be showcased from August 27 to September 1.

For more information, visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/artforeveryone/.

Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart visits the Ultimate Shopping Destination, Greenhills

“We take pride in offering jewelry that are of global standards and is more than happy to welcome Martha Stewart as a shopper of our pearls. As the tiangge capital of the Philippines, we are proud that we are getting global recognition by none other than the Queen of ‘Do-It-Yourself’ and Crafts. We at Ortigas Malls are so happy that she included Greenhills in her shopping itinerary during her short stay here in the Philippines.” ~Jaime E. Ysmael, President & CEO of Ortigas & Company

International lifestyle guru and international TV host and Snoop Dogg’s co-host, Martha Stewart, spent over an hour at the ultimate shopping destination, Greenhills Mall. She was accompanied by Jaime E. Ysmael, President & CEO of Ortigas & Company, as well as Arch. Renee Bacani, Vice President of Ortigas Malls together with San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat-Berna.

Known all over the world for her impeccable style and taste, the jewelry enthusiast checked out the wide array of pearls that Greenhills has to offer and picked the best ones to add to her own collection. Despite her luxurious lifestyle, Stewart navigated the renowned “pearl tiangge” like a pro; she canvassed multiple stalls until she selected elegant pieces with South Sea Pearls. She stayed longer than planned, but it’s not hard to understand why – with almost 300 stalls hawking the finest pieces, including black pearls, a day would not be enough for pearl connoisseurs.

Stewart joins the pool of prominent figures who have shopped at the pearl capital of the country, including pop icon Rihanna, Queen Sofia of Spain, and spouses of heads of states. 

She was accompanied by Mayor Francis Zamora and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat during her shopping spree. The Mayor said he was proud to introduce Greenhills Mall as the Tiangge Capital of the Philippines. “I am proud that San Juan City is in her itinerary. I hope that her shopping journey in Greenhills completes her bucket list and will be one of her unforgettable experiences in the country,” he said.

Stewart also checked out and marveled at other sections in Greenhills’ maze of tiangges, which capture the best of Filipino craftsmanship and artistry.

Stewart was in Manila to headline and participate on a ABS-CBN News Channel-sponsored leadership talk held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila on August 19.  She took this as an opportunity to check out what the country had to offer. 

For more information on Greenhills Mall, visit their website and get updates through  Facebook and Instagram.

Young people take charge of the future at Global Youth Summit 2019

“If you do not make a move to change the world, who else will make the Philippines the best it can become? That is why we enjoin everyone to use this forum as a platform to build a very strong foundation and uplift the role of the youth in decision-making. Today, we work harder to create an impact and start the positive change by being the example of change to a global community that truly cares.” ~Royston Cabunag, SM Cares Children and Youth Program Director

“Every child has the right to grow up in an environment where they feel safe and secure, have basic services and clean air and water, can play, learn and grow and where they voice is heard and matters.” ~Anne Curtis, UNICEF national goodwill ambassador

A total of 15,000 student leaders proved that young people can achieve great things during the Global Youth Summit 2019, the largest gathering for young Filipino leaders that aims to engage and inspire the world's future experts, held recently at the SM MOA Arena.

Hosted by SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc., in partnership with the Global Peace Foundation, the Global Youth Summit aims to engage and inspire young minds by providing a space where they can share their ideas and utilize their diverse skill-sets, knowledge, and networks to effectively address today’s persistent problems.

A highlight of the event was the awarding of five innovative youth ideas, namely BoluntirMISMO, ToReal Peace, Project 97, Cafesidad: Good Food Crafted by Good Hearts, and Mindify (Mental Intuitive Device for Filipino Youth). All these ideas can be implemented in Filipino communities to advance this year’s topics: inclusive education; youth-responsive health services; creating youth-enabling employment and self-employment; ecosystems in sustainable tourism; civic awareness and participation; and creating safe spaces and reducing all forms of violence against children. These targets are aligned with the priority areas of the UN Youth Strategy for Sustainable Development launched in September 2018.

International and local speakers, as well as influencers, also gave inspiring talks about their advocacies and the role of youth in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Guest speakers were Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, UNICEF National Goodwill ambassador Anne Curtis, United Nations development programme ambassador Antoinette Taus, G Talks Host and HealthXPh co-founder Dr. Gia Sison, Education Assistant secretary G.H. Ambat, Consuelo Foundation president and CEO Greg Auberry, and Asian Institute Management’s Dado Banatao Incubator executive director Prim Paypon.

SM Cares works with various organizations, corporations, shareholders and people from the community in coming up with innovative solutions that pave way to living more sustainable lives. Other advocacies include Environment Sustainability, Programs on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (SM Global Pinoy.).

Let your style reach new heights with the SM Woman Plus collection

As far as fashion is concerned, the sky is the limit, and SM Woman Plus has endless possibilities to a world of style. SM Woman Plus does three of fashion’s most massive trends, turning classic themes into of-the-moment pieces that still withstand trend and season.

BLACK AND WHITE

• Opposites attract, and this classic non-color fashion duo will attest to that. Whether worn separately or as a tandem, blacks, and whites set the tone of the look, tempering a vibrant matching piece or polishing an otherwise rugged combination. However you wear it, you can’t go wrong with black and white.

Style tips:

1. Elongate legs instantly with a pair of black pants.
2. Use optical illusions to your advantage! Achieve a glass-shaped figure by cinching a black and white dress with a slim black belt.
3. Freshen up a black and white look by topping it off with a dark denim jacket.
4. Make black and white separate pop with a crisp white top.

DENIM

• What’s a girl to do without denim? Fashion’s legendary neutral fabric, denim offsets just about any piece in your wardrobe—sparkle, flounce, even denim itself! Universal in function, denim looks are acceptable in just about any function. Take it to the beach, to the boardroom, and even in formal occasions—if styled correctly! Trends may come and go, but this trusty textile is here to stay.

Style tips:

1. Monochromatic denim isn’t all about blue! Pair green denim overalls with a green tee and green denim jacket
2. Add a feminine touch to your denim pencil skirt with a ruffled cold-shoulder top.
3. Make your denim on denim outfit look fresh by pairing different denim washes.

PASTELS AND NEUTRALS

• It’s 2019—have no fear of color! Nail the ultimate millennial shade palette: muted pastels and nudes. Building a colorful wardrobe is an uphill climb: start with casual tops, invest in safe bot-toms, then play your way to all kinds of frills and details! Don’t even worry about logically match-ing colors—these pretty tones have a way of sorting (and styling) themselves out.

Style Tips:

1. No brainer monochromatic pastels are a must—they make your five minutes look instantly look put-together!
2. Milk the millennial pink craze: a pastel pink jumpsuit is the perfect go-to piece you never knew you needed.
3. Afraid light colors might be unflattering? Throw rules out the window, happy shades make you look easy on the eyes.

Follow @SMWoman on Instagram and Facebook for more fashion inspiration, and to find out about their latest collections and amazing deals.

Family Day the NorthPine Way

NorthPine Land, Inc. (NLI) will host #NLIFamilyFunDay, an event for families to bond like there are no tomorrow as it launches the new amenities at Kahaya Place, its sole townhouse community located in Dasmariñas City, Cavite. With the whole world observing Family Fun Month this August, the company dedicates this one special day to hold exciting activities that will uphold harmony and love among them.

Refreshing stroll outdoors, swimming in the pool, barbecue, a fun picnic, or just quality time with everyone present and sharing stories and warm laughs, these are only a few of the things that make up a family-friendly community.  In today’s fast-paced world where there seems to be oodles of factors that take up your time and attention, a neighborhood that fosters family-focused activities is what everyone needs.

As a developer that values precious family moments, NLI works on not just building houses, but fashioning lifestyle communities that are avenues to make these happen. Within these neighborhoods, NLI develops stunning spaces that inspire great bonding time for friends and families.

The new provisions to look out for at Kahaya Place include the multipurpose pavilion, where homeowners can hold important events and celebrate life milestones; the new and spacious covered basketball court, where they can spark their sporty side and play Pinoys’ most-loved game; and the lovely swimming pool, a place to wade in the cool and inviting waters for relaxation. All these spaces will become perfect venues for good moments and happy times that will nurture ties.

During the #NLIFamilyFunDay, NorthPine Land will be giving away generous discounts to homebuyers. These exclusive offers will bring families closer to their dream homes in a community where together, they can play, enjoy and bond.

About NorthPine Land, Inc.

NorthPine Land Inc. (NLI) is one of the trusted real estate prime movers in the Philippines with a prestigious portfolio of projects in Pampanga (Montana Views and Montana Strands), Cavite (Kahaya Place, Greenwoods Village, Wind Crest and Kohana Grove), Laguna (South Hampton), Antipolo City (Forest Ridge), and Pasig City (Lexington). Its distinguished shareholders are HongKong Land, BDO, Metrobank, and San Miguel Properties, Inc. To know more about our premium communities to the middle-income market, visit www.northpineland.com or call +632 637.1531. 

Squeezing in healthy habits into busy schedules

Most millennials begin the day with the best intentions: eat healthily, do the best at work, work out at the gym, meet up with friends – basically be proactive. The exhausting routine makes their lifestyle needs a bit different from those of others.

And living healthy may take a backseat. Millennials often opt for quick bites being on the go. They take over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin and mineral supplements to provide whatever nutrients their fast food meals lack.

But while it is easy to get the recommended daily allowances of vitamins like B, C, and even D, or minerals like iron and calcium, they cannot get their daily dose of the mineral potassium (K), as the supplement was not available OTC in the past.

Potassium, an electrolyte, is essential for the body’s growth and maintenance. It  keeps a normal balance of fluid in the body, helps lower blood pressure protects against stroke, helps prevent osteoporosis or brittle bones and kidney stones reduce stress and anxiety, enhances the nervous system, reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes proper food breakdown, and body growth.

Now, millennials do not have to worry about not getting enough of the mineral. A potassium supplement is available OTC to make it convenient for people, particularly millennials who need the mineral because of their lifestyles, to get their required daily dose.

Neutra K is a simpler, better, and easier way to meet a person’s potassium needs. The Philippines’ first potassium food supplement with no prescription needed, Neutra K is sourced from one of the world’s leading producers of natural ingredients. The potassium in Neutra K is non-acidic, has no artificial flavors and preservatives, and effectively promotes a more regulated acidity in the body to prevent the potential ill-effects of prolonged imbalance.

Taking Neutra K tablets twice a day – one during breakfast and another during dinner – makes it more convenient for millennials to stay healthy despite their hectic lifestyles. Neutra K is available in 300 mg tablets, in boxes of 100 or 12, exclusively in Mercury Drugstore branches nationwide.

How Taiwan commits to a green future

In today's pressing climate crisis, sustainability has now become a top priority for countries aiming to balance bullish economic development with its inevitable environmental impact. Developing countries should look at the playbook of a once-garbage-ridden island republic in Asia, which is now one of the world's leading recycling countries.

More than a couple of decades ago, Taiwan grappled with a widespread waste disposal problem. Inaction pushed the residents of Taipei to protest, thus enacting change through laws and other government measures. From then on, Taiwan has become a leader in many aspects, including green initiatives. Its success has been a result of effective public and private efforts. 

More than a couple of decades ago, Taiwan grappled with a widespread waste disposal problem. Inaction pushed the residents of Taipei to protest, thus enacting change through laws and other government measures. 

From then on, Taiwan has become a leader in many aspects, including green initiatives. Its success has been a result of effective public and private efforts. 

Leading in green innovation

To better arm itself in its bid for sustainable development, Taiwan has also adapted the Circular Economy model, which focuses on maximizing the resources while minimizing waste.

According to President Tsai Ing-Wen, Taiwan's development and push for the Circular Economy demonstrate that economic growth can go hand in hand with environmental protection and sustainability. 

With the model used as a guiding principle, the green mindset has flourished in many other facets of Taiwanese life. Aside from strict garbage disposal laws, the Taiwanese government has recently passed the Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Management Act, as well as amended its Air Pollution Control Act, with stronger measures to curtail air pollution and accelerate Taiwan's energy transition.

Even in architecture, environmental consciousness permeates. For one, there's the iconic Taipei 101, which is considered one of the world's most innovative green structures. Another architectural marvel is the EcoARK Pavilion, a three-story exhibition hall built with 1.5 million interlocked plastic bottles instead of conventional bricks.

Taiwanese corporations have also found innovative ways to harness renewable energy and promote environmentally-friendly products and policies. Also, Taiwan has created the National Climate Change Action Guidelines, which set emission caps and promote green finance initiatives.

Recently, Taiwan's Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) has lauded green efforts of several companies including Fuji Xerox Taiwan and Taiwan High Speed Rail. 

Additionally, many products have been developed to help achieve Taiwan's green dream. To further promote recycling, Taipei residents are now using vending machines like iTrash booths to recycle cans and bottles in exchange for credit on their transportation smart cards. 

Taiwan Excellence awardee Kymco Motors is also leading the electronic motorbike revolution. The company has developed all-electric scooters powered by swappable batteries, effectively improving air quality. 

Fellow awardee PaperShoot Camera offers a compact digital camera with a case made out of eco-friendly paper.

Meanwhile, Deya makes waves with its backpack line made from recycled materials including the Ocean Recycling Roll Function Backpack, whose fibers are spun from recycled ocean waste. 

As a testament to its successful green innovations, the EPA says that around 11,000 environmentally-conscious stores throughout Taiwan sold NT$44.4 billion (Php74.88 billion) worth of green products in 2017.

Future sustainability

In terms of propelling the economy forward while balancing environmental interests, Taiwan is a leading global force. With much of the world burdened by issues linked to fragile environmental issues, developing countries are best to emulate Taiwan's boldness when it comes to ensuring sustainability.

Sustainability has become a priority in Taiwan. While other countries continue to debate adopting a greener approach to development, Taiwan is already thinking years into the future. As Taiwan continues to develop and sharpen its green ambition, it's making leaps and bounds to ensure future generations live their best lives.

To witness the future of Taiwan’s technologies, check out the following events: The Taiwan Excellence E-Sports Cup, October 4-6 in Metro Manila, and; the Taiwan Expo, November 8-9 at SMX Convention Center Davao.

Chefs from Visayas secure wins at Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition

Two chefs from Visayas are now qualified for the nationals of the Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition, a nationwide cooking the competition which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs, after they won their respective regional competitions. Chef Mario Sembalante from Cebu City bested nine other contestants in the seventh regional leg of the said culinary competition with his winning dish, Cebu Surf and Turf — malunggay crusted Visayan deep-sea codfish with a millet risotto crust and local ingredients such as Mango Wine from Argao and homemade fish chicharon with Cebu chorizo foam. On the other hand, Chef Jimmy Boy Basa was hailed as the winner of the Eastern Visayas leg thanks to his pickled turnips and beef strips with authentic coconut wine/Bahalina tuba. Both of them will compete with other regional winners in the national competition round with P100,000 cash and a culinary trip to Japan at stake. Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs' Edition is sponsored by Midea, Jolly, Jolly Heartmate Canola Oil, Dona Elena Olive Oil, Dona Elena Al Dente Pasta, Masflex Cookware, Ajinomoto, King Sue, Anvil Publishing, Philtranco, Fastcat, and Chef Plus.

Making life easier through digital transactions: Posible

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many Filipinos are left with little time to do small but important errands, such as paying utility bills or sending money to loved ones. However, thanks to the wonders of financial technology or “fintech,” it is now possible to accomplish such everyday tasks with ease, immediacy, and convenience.

Digital solutions platform Posible revolutionizes the way ordinary Filipinos live their daily lives. Through mobile communications and digital technology, more people can easily avail of financial transactions such as bills payment, money remittance, buying prepaid load, and withdrawing cash without even stepping far from home.

Not only does Posible make life easier for customers, it also offers an additional livelihood for small to medium entrepreneurs. From bakeries and pawnshops to Internet cafes and laundry shops—any enterprise can earn additional income by becoming a Posible operator. 

Posible’s a network of Android-based digital devices empowers friendly neighborhood stores to accept and accomplish various financial transactions. Whether as the main service offering or a complimentary side business, Posible offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their products and services and cater to the needs of unbanked and underbanked Filipinos. 

All these fintech innovations power local communities to the future of digital finances. More features and services, such as buying tickets, mobile app pins, and even microinsurance will be made possible soon on the Posible platform. Posible devices are also equipped with a magnetic stripe, as well as QR code reader, making it adaptive to developments in digital financial transactions. 

Now, paying bills, sending money, and other digital financial solutions are even more accessible with Posible!

PLDT-Smart, along with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed a MOA to provide fast and free Smart WiFi across the city

“We are happy to work with the city government of Manila and Mayor Isko in helping provide connectivity to the city and bring the benefits of the Internet to more Filipinos across the country.” ~Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT chair and CEO 

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the city government of Manila to provide fast and free Smart WiFi across the city, particularly government offices, hospitals, universities, and other key areas.

Other proposed areas include Ospital ng Maynila, Tondo Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Universidad de Manila and Museo Pambata.

“By working hand-in-hand with the local government to bring Smart WiFi to more areas, we are making connectivity more accessible for everyone, who can use it to keep in touch with their families and friends, and to access key online government and banking services.” ~Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart Chief Revenue Officer

PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Smart Chief Revenue Officer Alfredo S. Panlilio and Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso signed the MOA in ceremonies held at the Manila City Hall, which is among the venues to be covered by Smart WiFi. Also present at the signing event was Google Philippines Head of Public Policy Yves Gonzalez.

Once deployed, these venues in the City of Manila will join the growing list of the more than 400 live Google Station sites that Smart and Google Philippines announced in July 2019.

“With this partnership, we are also empowering Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses in the city of Manila who use the Internet to connect their workplaces, enrich their knowledge about their respective industries, enabling them to further succeed.” ~Juan Victor Hernandez, senior vice president and head of Enterprise for PLDT and Smart

The nationwide rollout of Smart WiFi complements Smart’s ongoing network expansion and modernization program across the Philippines.

NorthPine Land Unveils New Milestones in Cavite

“We are building more homes in Cavite because NorthPine believes that more families need to experience the comfortable, secure, and vibrant life that our homeowners have been enjoying. This is a commitment we will always live up to.” ~Ferdinand Macabanti, NLI General Manager 

The Prime at Greenwoods Village is the company’s finest development which has already become a thriving community over the years.

Halfway through its 2019 venture to make more dreams come to life, NorthPine Land, Inc. (NLI), one of the trusted property developers in the Philippines, proves once again that its real estate footprint in the South continues to expand and be known, with its newest accomplishments in its Cavite projects. 

Giving more families and individuals an opportunity for life made easier, the company recently opened more house and lot units in The Prime, NLI’s cream of the crop and one of the sub-villages within the Greenwoods community at Dasmariñas City, Cavite. This leading-edge project continues to thrive throughout the years since its opening.

NLI executives (left to right), namely: Ben Tatunay (CFO), Amytis Banaag (AVP for HRODA), Wilma de Ere (VP for Corporate Services), Aileen Morales (AVP for Sales Operations), and Erwin Buñag (AVP for Construction Management) spearhead the blessing of Cattleya at Kohana Grove, Silang, Cavite. 

In addition, the new Cattleya model house at Kohana Grove in Silang was unveiled with new and even more stunning interiors. This is another step of the company after the expansion of this modern Asian-inspired community, earlier this year. 

NLI is also gearing up for the launch of the newest amenities at Kahaya Place, a townhouse community in Dasmariñas City, known for its accessibility and affordability. Happening on August 18, the company is thrilled to offer families a more exciting lifestyle through fresh spaces, which include a multi-purpose pavilion, swimming pool and basketball court. This is something to look out for after the recent launch of the second phase of Kahaya Place. 

As the second half of the year kicks off, NorthPine Land is gearing towards more exciting milestones. For a developer that sees the importance of comfortable family living, the company commits to achieving greater heights by building prestigious communities like no other. 

About NorthPine Land, Inc.

NorthPine Land Inc. (NLI) is one of the country’s trusted real estate prime movers with a prestigious portfolio of projects in Pampanga (Montana Views and Montana Strands), Cavite (Kahaya Place, Greenwoods Village, Wind Crest and Kohana Grove), Laguna (South Hampton), Antipolo City (Forest Ridge), and Pasig City (Lexington). Its distinguished shareholders are HongKong Land, BDO, Metrobank, and San Miguel Properties, Inc. To know more about our lineup of products, visit www.northpineland.com or call +632 637.1531.